DEFEATED BY A CAT...

I've been involved in animal rescue for years.  It started with Bull Terrier Rescue, shifted to outreach in rural and poor areas and then cats.  If I am honest with myself, the cats have always been the most challenging...

I remember when I was still a "virgin" in the whole cat rescue thing.  I took in a little grey kitten obviously to foster for a while and then rehome. Usually, the first stop is at the vet and as per the norm you wait patiently in the waiting area till the vet nurse pops around the corner and summons you to the weird sterile smelling room.

We made it to the room and the vet nurse gave the little one a look over, pinched here, pulled there, pushed the thermometer up her little bum, which was not welcomed at all. Checked the ears, toes etc. until she was in her professional view satisfied that the kitten was healthy and okay.

We were happy with a vaccination and thank the dear Lord the nurse was quick and efficient.  Next was the dewormer... the nurse paused, looked me straight in the eyes and said: "I am sending the dewwormer home with you... I think this potato had been through enough for the day..."  I was a bit confused, but I placed the little girl in the carrier, and off we went.  Only just realize I was "suckered" by the nurse.

I learned that evening that giving any kind of oral medication to a cat was like wrestling a demonic force and performing an exorcism without having the necessary blessing by "the Yours Truly". So, I started off by getting a good grip on her tiny body. She went all stiff and I should have known then I was in deep shit.  The stiffness was the first sign.  Her sixth sense kicked in and she knew something bad is coming. This cute fluffy kitten was about to switched into full kill mode.  Her jaws locked like that of a full grown male adult pitbull.  With one hand holding her and the other gripping the syringe I gently try to get in between the gums and razor sharp vampire teeth, still being sympathetic not to cause any kind of pain to the cutie pie.  Eventually you break through, and you push down on the syringe... this my friend is when things go to hell... not for the cat but you.

My first attempt took place at 18h00. It was a total miss, and it looked like a newborn baby vomited over breast.  With still a bit of syrup left in the syringe I convinced myself a second attempt can be made, we can still do this. It was now 18h25. She was looking at me, ready for me and when I took hold of her, she released her demonic wrath.

The remaining banana syrup was all over the tiles. She slashed my fingers and although not deep, the wounds were visible on 6 of my 10 fingers. I had a hole in the middle of my thumb nail.  Words roll from my tongue and repentance was needed.

At 18h50 we were both sitting on the bed. Me inspecting my war wounds and her cleaning the sticky banana splatter off her fur.  We were both exhausted.  Human zero, cat one.

I left the little demon on the bed, got up, moved towards the kitchen, pulled out a bottle of red wine, searched for the biggest wine glass and filled it to the top.  I was done for the evening.  I pulled out a chair and sat quietly like a 1860 tavern slut.

The vet nurse might have gotten away with her magical trick this time around, but not next time.... nah.... next time it's her, the demon and the banana syringe.  

A few years in and learning from more skilled hands, I have mastered the administration of meds to a cat and kitten, but the day a small grey kitten went all savage on me will remain in my memory!